Chapter 291: Chapter 291: The Price of Resurrection

“Now then, Akaza, let’s talk about the price of resurrecting Koyuki.”

His head snapped up, his tear-streaked face turning toward me. Gratitude gave way to confusion, his brows furrowing as he processed my words. He glanced down at Koyuki, still breathing softly, then back at me.

“Price?” he asked, his voice tinged with unease.

I nodded, taking a step closer. “Resurrection is not a simple feat, Akaza. Especially for someone like Koyuki, who has been gone for over 800 years. The power required to bring her back wasn’t insignificant, and such power always comes with a cost.”

Akaza’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his jaw tightening. He looked back at Koyuki, his expression a mixture of determination and desperation. “I’ll do whatever it takes,” he said, his voice resolute. “Just tell me what you need.”

I studied him for a moment, my gaze steady. Akaza was no longer the ruthless demon I had first encountered. Before me was a man stripped of his past sins, raw and vulnerable in his devotion to the woman he loved. He was ready to sacrifice anything, and I intended to use that resolve.

“There are two things I require,” I began. “First, your absolute loyalty to me and Nazarick. No hesitation, no reservations. You will serve me without question.”

Akaza’s eyes darkened slightly, but he nodded. “If that’s what it takes, I will serve you.”

“Good,” I said, letting my words linger before adding the second condition. “The second is that you must achieve the Transparent World State.”

Akaza’s eyes widened in shock. “The Transparent World?” he echoed. “But… I haven’t mastered it yet.”

I crossed my arms, letting a small, knowing smile tug at my lips. “You will, Akaza. If you truly value Koyuki’s life, you’ll find a way to reach that state. Consider it a challenge—a way to prove your worth.”

His gaze dropped to Koyuki again, his fists trembling slightly. I could feel the weight of his emotions, the internal battle raging within him. He looked back up at me, his expression hardened with determination. “As long as I draw breath, I’ll achieve the Transparent World State. Just… don’t take her away from me.”

I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a low murmur. “Then you’d better succeed, Akaza. Because if you fail, Koyuki’s existence will be left hanging by a thread.”

In my mind, I heard Death’s voice echo with amusement. “You’re really laying it on thick, dear. Talking like a classic villain offering a deal with the devil.”

I smirked inwardly. “I thougth a little urgency can do wonders for motivation, Death.”

“Perhaps,” Death replied with a chuckle. “But look at him. The poor man looks like he’s made a pact with his very soul in exchange for her life.”

My gaze flicked back to Akaza. His resolve was unshaken, but I could see the turmoil in his eyes. I allowed a brief moment of silence to hang between us before softening my tone.

“Don’t misunderstand me, Akaza,” I said. “This isn’t about cruelty or manipulation. I’ve given you a second chance with Koyuki. All I’m asking is for you to rise to the occasion and prove you’re worthy of it.”

Akaza bowed his head low, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “I understand. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her… and to fulfill my promise to you.”

Satisfied, I turned to leave, gesturing for Albedo, Aura, and Mare to follow. As I walked, I spoke to Death in my mind. “You think I’m being too harsh?”

“No,” Death replied, her tone amused. “Just dramatic enough to make things interesting. Though I imagine Akaza might not see it that way.”

I chuckled softly. “He’ll thank me later.”

•••

After leaving Akaza in the amphitheater, I was on my way back to Mitsuri when Albedo appeared, her expression as poised and regal as always, though I could sense an undercurrent of curiosity and something else—concern, perhaps? She stepped in front of me, bowing deeply.

“My Lord,” she began, her voice as smooth and reverent as ever, “is there a particular reason you personally brought Akaza to Nazarick and went so far as to resurrect that woman for him?”

I stopped walking, turning to face her fully. Her golden eyes were fixed on mine, seeking an answer that would satisfy her. I smiled, tilting my head slightly. “It seems like you’re not fond of my decision to bring him to Nazarick.”

“Of course not!” Albedo replied quickly, her tone slightly higher than usual, betraying a crack in her usual composure. She took a calming breath, then continued, “Please forgive my outburst, my lord. Nazarick is your domain, and every decision you make is perfect. I only ask because I wish to understand your intentions.”

“Is that so?” I asked, my tone teasing as I crossed my arms. “Well, if you must know, I brought Akaza here because I want to learn the Transparent World State from him. It has the potential to enhance my power significantly.”

Albedo nodded, though her gaze lingered on me, searching for any hint of another motive. “Is that all, my lord?”

I chuckled softly, stepping closer to her. “That’s all, my dear.”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she let out a small sigh, her lips curving into a faint smile. However, her momentary relief was quickly replaced by a more personal line of inquiry.

“I also heard,” she began cautiously, “that you brought a woman to the cafeteria.”

Ah, so that’s where this was going. Her tone, while respectful, carried a slight edge. Her posture shifted subtly—no longer just the Guardian Overseer reporting to her master, but a woman addressing someone she held in a deeper regard.

“You must mean Mitsuri,” I replied casually. “I’ll introduce her to you later.”

Albedo, however, didn’t seem entirely content with that answer. I could still feel a flicker of jealousy radiating from her, subtle but unmistakable. Her golden eyes narrowed slightly, and her lips pressed into a thin line. She wasn’t going to say it outright, of course—Albedo’s loyalty was absolute, but her feelings for me often blurred the lines of her professionalism.

I took a step closer, closing the distance between us. Her eyes widened slightly as I leaned in, a playful smile on my lips. Before she could react, I pressed my lips to hers, a deep and deliberate kiss that left her momentarily stunned.

When I pulled back, her face was flushed, her eyes wide, and for once, she seemed at a loss for words. I chuckled softly, brushing a strand of her dark hair back behind her ear.

“Albedo,” I said, my voice low and reassuring, “don’t get jealous so easily. You know you’re irreplaceable to me.”

Her expression softened, and she bowed her head slightly, though the faint pink hue on her cheeks remained. “Of course, my lord,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Forgive me for doubting, even for a moment.”

I smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. “There’s nothing to forgive. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mitsuri is waiting.”

~~~

(I posted some audiobook of this fanfic in my patreon. Check it out.)

You can join my Patreon for 3$. Around 200+ advanced Chapters on my Patreon. I posted some exclusive NFSW on each R-18 Chapter for you to enjoy.

Support me through my Patreon. It would be a big help

Support me

patreon.com/BlackBolt517

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep